When Gillian Orrell abandoned corporate life in London to tramp New Zealand's nine Great Walks, she had little idea of what to expect. But uncertainty and inexperience soon gave way to the challenge of the walks themselves, as she embarked on the greatest adventure of her life. Fighting snowstorms, blisters and the attentions of unwanted tramping companions, she determined to enjoy whatever fate might throw her way. The hazards were soon outweighed by the natural splendour of New Zealand's great outdoors, as she trekked over mountains, through rivers, along beaches, past glaciers, into craters, around lakes, beside active volcanoes and through some of the oldest forests in the world. NEW BOOTS IN NEW ZEALAND is a day-by-day account of all nine Great Walks, from the majesty of the famous Milford Track to the unexpected variety of the Heaphy and the beguiling mystery of the Whanganui River Journey. Full of humour and joie de vivre, it is a hugely enjoyable armchair read as well as an essential source of information for anyone intending to walk in New Zealand.

An extended stay in New Zealand determined the content of Gillian Orrell’s first book. New Boots in New Zealand is a humorous, first-hand account of walking the nine Great Walks of New Zealand, encompassing many additional facts, anecdotes and insights about New Zealand’s culture, history and peoples. Deciding to go solo, Gillian accomplished all nine walks in the space of a few months, not only learning all she needed to know about tramping but also a huge amount about New Zealand. This superbly written and hugely enjoyable book is the result of her efforts. It describes what tramping in New Zealand is really like, offering handy tips and wry observations that you won’t find anywhere else. New Boots in New Zealand is aimed at both first-time and experienced trampers, anyone who intends to go on any of the Great Walks, as well as armchair travellers of all ages.